Developmental Disabilities advocates present award to Sen. Carey
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Local Advocates Present Award
Photo tag: Kraig Walker (left) and Michael Richards (right) at Legislative Reception in Columbus
The ARC of Ohio (Advocating for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities) held its annual Legislative Event at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in Columbus on March 23.
Highland County advocates Michael Richards of Greenfield and Kraig Walker of Mowrystown assisted in presenting a Legislator of the Year award to Senator John Carey.
Senator Carey, who was recently named the "Watchdog of the Treasury," was recognized by the ARC for his efforts to protect the Ohio budget concerning people with disabilities. The ARC's executive director, Gary Tonks, stated, "as chair of the Senate Finance Committee, he saved the DD budget from the huge cuts experienced by other departments."
Michael Richards is a self-advocate, having served on various committees throughout the state. He is currently serving as a board member for the ARC of Ohio and Commissioner for Ohio Legal Rights. He has served as a chapter coordinator for People First of Ohio, speaking at many conferences and at local chapters throughout Ohio.
He and fellow advocate Kraig Walker, program trainer with Highland County Board of DD, have also served on the Ohio DD Futures Steering Committee, helping to guide the state's services for people with disabilities in all 88 counties. Together, Michael and Kraig have testified at many budget hearings and have served on various subcommittees, representing Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
The March 23 Legislative Reception was held in conjunction with March's Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Advocates, supporters, parents, children and adults with disabilities attended the event to honor their legislators and the efforts of all to make a difference in the disability community.
For more information on the ARC of Ohio, visit www.thearcofohio.org.
The ARC of Ohio (Advocating for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities) held its annual Legislative Event at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in Columbus on March 23.
Highland County advocates Michael Richards of Greenfield and Kraig Walker of Mowrystown assisted in presenting a Legislator of the Year award to Senator John Carey.
Senator Carey, who was recently named the "Watchdog of the Treasury," was recognized by the ARC for his efforts to protect the Ohio budget concerning people with disabilities. The ARC's executive director, Gary Tonks, stated, "as chair of the Senate Finance Committee, he saved the DD budget from the huge cuts experienced by other departments."
Michael Richards is a self-advocate, having served on various committees throughout the state. He is currently serving as a board member for the ARC of Ohio and Commissioner for Ohio Legal Rights. He has served as a chapter coordinator for People First of Ohio, speaking at many conferences and at local chapters throughout Ohio.
He and fellow advocate Kraig Walker, program trainer with Highland County Board of DD, have also served on the Ohio DD Futures Steering Committee, helping to guide the state's services for people with disabilities in all 88 counties. Together, Michael and Kraig have testified at many budget hearings and have served on various subcommittees, representing Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
The March 23 Legislative Reception was held in conjunction with March's Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Advocates, supporters, parents, children and adults with disabilities attended the event to honor their legislators and the efforts of all to make a difference in the disability community.
For more information on the ARC of Ohio, visit www.thearcofohio.org.